A Guide to Nantucket for the Surfer

For surfers seeking great waves, scenic beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere, Nantucket is an ideal destination. Whether you're an experienced surfer looking for a challenge or a beginner wanting to learn, the island offers something for all ages and skill levels.

Surfers are drawn to Nantucket for its uncrowded beaches, consistent waves, and the island’s laid-back, ocean-loving culture. Nantucket’s surf scene is less commercialized compared to other East Coast destinations, offering a more relaxed and natural surfing experience. The island is particularly appealing to surfers who enjoy challenging Atlantic Ocean swells, scenic beach environments, and a sense of escape.

Nantucket's position in the Atlantic Ocean makes it an excellent spot for consistent waves, especially during the summer and fall. Swells from the ocean create waves that range from beginner-friendly to more challenging conditions, depending on the beach and weather patterns.

Additionally, Nantucket’s beaches offer a range of surf conditions, from mellow beach breaks ideal for beginners to more intense waves for advanced surfers. The island’s south shore, which faces the open Atlantic, sees the biggest swells.

Nantucket’s beaches are often less crowded than other surf destinations, allowing surfers more space to enjoy the waves without competing for breaks. This makes for a more peaceful and authentic surf experience.

While summer is popular for beginners and casual surfers due to its smaller, more manageable waves, fall brings larger swells, ideal for more advanced surfers. September and October are considered prime months for surfing, with fewer tourists and bigger waves driven by offshore storms.

Surfers visiting Nantucket will primarily want to head to the south shore, where the best surf spots are located. Top beaches for surfing include:

Cisco Beach:

Best for: All skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

Conditions: Cisco is the most popular surf beach on the island, with consistent waves and sandbars that create great breaks. It’s suitable for surfers of all levels, making it a hub for both locals and tourists. The waves are often ideal for longboarding and shortboarding alike, and the beach is wide, giving surfers plenty of space.

Surfside Beach:

Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers.

Conditions: As its name suggests, Surfside Beach is another great spot for surfing. The waves here can be powerful, especially during windy days or hurricane season, making it more suitable for experienced surfers.

Madaket Beach:

Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers.

Conditions: Located on the western tip of the island, Madaket Beach is less crowded but known for powerful waves and strong currents. It's great for more experienced surfers who are comfortable with larger, more challenging swells. And it’s also known for its beautiful sunsets.

Nobadeer Beach:

Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers.

Conditions: Nobadeer is popular among the younger crowd and surfers looking for more challenging waves. The breaks here can be strong and unpredictable, offering a more thrilling surf.